Iago; The Representation of Villainy in "Othello"

Summary: In William Shakespeare's "Othello," Iago's manipulation of Othello serves as the role of evil in humankind. For his own gain, Iago manipulates Othello into killing his wife.

A villain is defined as an evil character in a novel, movie, play, or other story, especially one who is the main enemy of the hero according to Encarta Dictionary. In "Othello," Iago fits this definition perfectly though Othello does not recognize that Iago is his enemy until the end of the story. Iago is the evil-minded, backstabbing character in this dramatic story. He demonstrates this villainy act all through out the story beginning with being angry with Othello for not appointing him as lieutenant, his revenge on cassio for taking his place as lieutenant, and setting up Desdemona to look like she is cheating on Othello. His machinations are so effective because they flow consistently. From the very start, Iago's manipulations are driven by the desire to take vengeance to those who anger him.

Othello angers Iago over the position he gave to Cassio and it's because...